What is it about certain stories that have a profound impact on some of the ways we connect to its characters? We love the stories about the fallen hero that makes the ultimate comeback and ends up saving the world from near destruction. We become infatuated with the dreamer that wants to prove their artistic value and be accepted by the same world that has kept them down.
In my recent travels I had the opportunity to re-watch two movies on the plane as I had two hour flights both ways. Normally I would read my books and write but this time I wanted to do some research by reflecting on these two stories. The first movie I took in was "The Gladiator" with the main actor Russell Crowe portraying a highly regarded and decorated Roman military leader with aspirations to fulfill his duty and ultimately retire and return to his wife and son in a humble countryside home. In the opening scene Russell's character Maximus is walking through a wheat field and is touching the wheat as a soft song is playing almost in a way foreshadowing that he will return home one day as that is his sole purpose. Then reality hits him and becomes ready to fight once more in the next battle for the Emperor of Rome. The rest of the story is filled with tragedy, loss, cruelty, revenge, perseverance, and the desire for Maximus to return home.
The second movie I dove into on my return flight was "Bohemian Rhapsody", the story of the famous British band Queen. This story follows Freddie Mercury , played by Remi Malek, as he rises to stardom by being somewhat brash and thinking outside the box. His talent is undeniable and he does everything and anything to take Queen to the highest levels of rock band immortality. In the opening scene in some way similar to The Gladiator, Freddie wakes up and begins to make his way to the stadium where the historical Live Aid concert will be held. Also foreshadowing the end of the movie as Queen will perform there at the conclusion. The rest of the story from then on is Freddie meeting the rest of the band and setting on the ultimate journey to prove his artistic talent and give the world the music it wasn't ready for. It is also filled with tragedy, lies, secrecy, perseverance, and Freddie seeking the approval of his father.
In both of these movies however different they may be both Maximus and Freddie have lots in common. They both had a mission and a vision of what their ultimate life's purpose was to be. Maximus valued his family and returning to them was a non negotiable. He fought and won many battles for Rome. When his time came he was not able to return and when he finally did he was met with the ultimate tragedy. The tremendous loss of his family also brought death inside of him. He had the moment of giving up as there was nothing left to fight for. Then one slave that became his friend reminded him that there was more to all this than himself, Maximus knew that he had to go back to Rome and finish the job, to give Rome back to the people. He found that which was more significant than his own suffering: a true purpose.
Now as Freddie ascended into stardom he fought his own inner battles. He struggled with his identity. He knew deep inside that he was not who everyone thought he showed to be. He started hiding everything from everyone he loved as to not let them down. He feared the judgement of others but more importantly of his father. During all of this he still managed to give the world music that has transcended throughout time and will forever be remembered. Sitting at the top of the music industry, Freddie was dealt the worse news of all, he would not be able to continue his career as he was diagnosed with a killer disease at the time and had no cure. In a similar way as Maximus, he had a choice to make. To dwindle and fade away to be forgotten or to make the best of the time he had left. Freddie chose to mend relationships with all those he loved and loved him back unconditionally and to give the world one of the best performances in musical history. He persevered even as he was extremely ill and with low energy. He dug deep and found his inner drive and desire to gift the world his last act and to take Queen to the outer limits despite his own pain and suffering: a true purpose.
Sometimes when you are trying to find your true purpose you can put plenty of pressure on yourself because you are unsure what that is. You might think that you are supposed to do X and you end up doing Y. In these two stories both main characters had passion for what they were doing. They both had ultimate climaxes in their careers and both were dealt heavy blows that ultimately resulted in their deaths. They did not let rock bottom end their respectful journeys and triumphs. Along the way they also gave others hope and inspiration to continue their own personal dreams. We all have special gifts and talents that are unique to us. We do not have to change the world or to be etched into Wikipedia to matter globally or historically. We just have to use our talents and gifts to change ourselves first from within and that will have a resounding effect to all of those around us.
You are making a difference in the world with everything that you do. Life will deal all of us trials and challenges. What matters is how we respond and persevere each and every time. Each one of us has a piece of this universe in our grasp. Change is all but inevitable. What will you do for your part?
Love Your Journey.......
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